Rita Ora appeared to play the third wheel as she joined husband Taika Waititi on the red carpet at the 77th Emmy Awards, where Waititi shared a lighthearted moment with actress Cate Blanchett that became one of the evening’s most talked-about interactions.
Photographs from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles showed the New Zealand director, dressed in an all-white tuxedo with satin lapels, bow tie and tinted shades, leaning toward Blanchett as she struck a pose in a backless velvet pantsuit. In another image Ora gently tugged at Waititi’s hand as he clung to Blanchett, a playful exchange that drew smiles from onlookers and photographers. Ora, 34, wore a plunging cream-and-white gown with a thigh-high split, silver strappy heels and a fringe hairstyle that framed her face. Waititi is 50.
The trio’s appearance came on a night when several of the individuals represented by the group had projects in contention. Blanchett was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in Apple TV+’s Disclaimer. Waititi’s U.S. series What We Do in the Shadows earned a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series.
The Emmys, held Sunday at the Peacock Theater, were hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. The televised ceremony featured a star-studded presenting lineup that included Jenna Ortega, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Bateman, Jude Law, Sydney Sweeney and Sofía Vergara.
Photographers and onlookers noted the chemistry among the three, who combined playful gestures with classic red-carpet glamour. Blanchett, who previously worked with Waititi on the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok, opted for a velvet look that revealed an open back and echoed old-school Hollywood silhouettes with a modern twist. Ora’s makeup and styling emphasized a dewy, high-shine finish while her gown’s cut and split gave the look a contemporary edge.
Beyond the red carpet moments, the Emmys continued to spotlight television productions and performances across broadcast and streaming platforms, with awards recognizing achievements in acting, writing, directing and production. The evening’s mix of formal presentations, nominated performances and on-stage cameos underscored the industry’s ongoing blend of prestige television and mainstream entertainment.
Photographers captured numerous interactions throughout the arrivals period, but the exchange among Ora, Waititi and Blanchett stood out for its combination of humor and fashion-forward styling, becoming a frequent subject of commentary on social feeds and entertainment coverage as the ceremony proceeded.
The awards show runs through multiple broadcast segments and will conclude with the presentation of statuettes across major categories, including program and individual achievement awards.